Because I am here
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Originally uploaded by: root-2
You see, there’s no denying that part of me wanted to say, “Hong Kong is my second home”. This has been my home for years. I arrived in 1990 and I love (and hate) the life here. Hate because it’s expensive to live and Love because it’s so convenient to everything, like a walk in the park. The first few weeks I ever saw Hong Kong was the time I finally decided to live here, and it took me about a month to settle in. Look at those tall skyscrapers crammed in Hong Kong Island, it sure makes me dizzy to look through those things but during at night, it’s a wonderful civilization with bright lights, discos and expensive cars. Although, somewhere along the way, I was somewhat feeling like I am just another foreigner but soon after Hong Kong has reverted to Chinese rule in 1997, I never expected that I would still be here. God knows when I’m going to get tired eating fried noodles.
There are certain periods in my life that I thought I should leave soon after the handover. This may not be a big deal to other people but having new experiences and changes can be life altering to a person who is not big on changes. Honestly, I’m a big fan of routines. Even so, I am still adapting to the pace of life in Hong Kong. I realized that it’s actually good to adapt to this fast paced city. It surely requires one to learn to think on their feet and allow you to become more efficient. I think this is important wherever you go. So even right after my two brothers has started their own family ten years ago and my parents who practically left for good to the Philippines, I decided to stay (asus, madami lang bayaran) and enjoy more - well, mostly the shopping.
If you ask me what my favorite things about Hong Kong, it would be the shopping, the transportation and the peace and order in this tiny city. When it comes to a serious shopping experience, Hong Kong has everything in abundance. The transportation in Hong Kong is one of my favorite because of its efficiency. I particularly like the MTR and the rides at the Tramcar. And of course food. One can never go hungry here in Hong Kong. There are restaurants everywhere selling different kinds of foods and I particularly pick dim sums. Trust me, I can eat those all day.
So where is Hong Kong?
Back in 1841, the British took control of Hong Kong, only to then relinquish control in return for overall rule to the Chinese the following year. Surrounding land masses would later be added to the area now known as Hong Kong. In 1984, the UK and China signed an agreement to allow Hong Kong it’s independence from British rule in 1997, and in doing so, became the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China on 1 July 1997. This agreement included the proviso that China, under its “one country, two systems” formula, could not impose it’s socialist economic system on Hong Kong and that Hong Kong would retain a high degree autonomy in all matters except foreign and defense affairs for the next 50 years.- All about Hong Kong.
Now that Hong Kong is celebrating its 10th Anniversary of the Establishment of HKSAR, I went out shopping today. It was madness - it’s the super sale all around shopping malls. Hong Kong during a sales period is a complete retail therapy course. You know that, Masel don’t you? Who wouldn’t miss the world-class department stores from many countries? From the British Marks & Spencer, to Sogo of Japan, and the hometown popular Lane Crawford?
It’s hard to believe today that Hong Kong is a frontier. It’s a boom town, a place where people hoped they could make a lot of money. Kidding aside, it ain’t cheap to live here but it’s a place where fortunes can be made and lost, where people can reinvent themselves and take chances. It is still the city that retained the glamour in the British imagination. And oh, I know how to be one of the locals, not only how to speak a little “Kaw-choo-wah” in Cantonese because I felt I missed out by not learning anything but at least I know how to use the chopsticks.
This coming Anniversary, it’s going to be a joyous event for the whole of Hong Kong. A multi-cultural city that will celebrates not only the Chinese but it involves everyone, including myself.
Happy 10th, Hong Kong!
Tattooed On My Mind
by: Sitti
![Apple & M[a]cRibs](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/2927828880_681186d83d_s.jpg)
i have always thought that HK has one of the most beautiful skylines i have ever seen. it always takes my breath away
sige, paki-shopping mo na lang ako
Hey, I translated one ghost story and they’re talking about a huge sale during the summer months, I think they mentioned July, that the neighboring Asian countries, one being Thailand would fly there just to shop, I thought they were joking. How good is the sale, they practically have to give it away for me to say it’s a good deal, like a $65 Gap shirt, for $1.99, this type of good deal?
I do miss big city, when I drove to NYC last time, as soon as we got to the Staten Island and saw the NYC skyline, it’s hard to explain, especially without the twin towels, it’s just not the same, but I do miss the city…I think I might be living in the boondocks too long.
Oh one thing, don’t laugh at my name, I knew how silly it was when I got it, can’t believe I got stuck with it.
Meeya, everytime I look at those tall buildings, I can’t erased the thoughts in my head, what if the big “earthquake” hit HK? (knock on wood). I experienced a few times, although it was minimal, I still fear of being crashed from top to the bottom. Seriously.
Ginger, when I visited Thailand in Phuket a few years, shopping was not on my priority list. I said, it was supposedly a “weekend time off”, to enjoy the beach and other parts of their country. When I returned home, I bought a few sarongs.
I have never been in HK but I wished I have been. I heard from my aunt when she made a stop over there and had this small tour that the food there is amazing. I should visit you soon I guess! heheheh
17 yeare in HK guauuu. Your first time was on vacation or you went there to work. And your work permits were brithish and then change to chinese, or what?
What you saw in my blog, and thougt it was some kind of celbration was this:
http://inthesity.wordpress.com/2007/06/25/europride-2007-the-english-version/
Charles, if you’re visiting me on a last minute, I would not deter the plan of getting away from you. Ya see, I’m a shy person and I freak out a lot when somebody ask me for a visit. Anyways, I am sure you’ll be entertained ‘not’ by me but the food itself. I’m cheap so, dimsum is the best choice.
Inthesity, I acquire my residency from my parents. My dad came here to work as a musician. During those time when HK was still under the British Govt, musicians/entertainment people who works here was granted a visa-free for a year..and then later, also we were able to get the same treatment as well (the rest of the family).
Honestly, I wouldn’t know so much about Hongkong if it weren’t for you K. Really.
Asha, no kidding? It’s funny to think that it’s probably easy to learn facts about other country than my own country. Since I’ve lived here for so many years (and because it’s a very small place), it’s easy to get-to-know this city in just a span of 2 years. What I want to master is to be able to speak the local language. If I were in Singapore, most likely I would want to know how delicious the Singaporean noodles really is.
Aside from the shopping (the factory outlets here in HK are love!), another reason why Hong Kong is ideal is because of its proximity to Manila. Imagine, we can be home in 1 hour and 30 minutes. (That’s just like MNL-DVO). Once homesickness kicks in, it’s so easy to just log on to the net, buy a ticket and go home for the weekend.
Yup, today is the handover anniversary. Time to watch the fireworks and go: “waaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh”
Dazed, are you speaking about the one in the South Horizons? I seldom go there for I fear that my plastic will be ripped-off. True, HK is just less than a minute to MNL but in my case, I always plan ahead, Bicol is not a few blinks away.
Sadly, I missed the fireworks display. It’s the same stuff every year anyways.
Hi K! Long time no see, err, blog! Yes, HK is the shopping capital of Asia! And… the food, they’re totally the best when it comes to cooking! I only know how to say nos. 1 - 10 in Cantonese, as taught by a friend of mine. Hay… I hope I was there! Happy Anniversary HK!
Oh, this will be my blog from now on, as I deleted the old one.
i missed the night shopping in HK, so many good bargains awaiting for you especially if you know a little bit of their language.
second, their food is fabulous and not overly priced. cooks their are very innovative and creative in coming up with new dishes. and dim sum is soooo delicious!
hayaan mo K, pag uwi namin ng anak kong panganay, daanan kita diyan. then you can treat us to your favorite restaurant…hehe
hi JV, been a awhile. What made you deleted the older one? Did someone found out about you? Hahaha, internet is not a place to hide afterall. Sooner or later, somebody, somewhere will always find you. Relax and just enjoy the blogging. Thank you for the visit.
PS. the link in your comment is a dead end. Isn’t that your old URL?
Belle, me treating you? I’ll be your tourguide as well so remember, we don’t need a car here, baka magreklamo kayo?
Just to let you know that I posted in english about my home town and you can see some picutes, is not always like this, just this days.
http://inthesity.wordpress.com/2007/07/02/san-fermin-best-places-to/
Well I am a cheap person so I guess well go along well! Heheheh
Hay shopping!!!! HK is definitely the paradise for shopaholics like me. Especially those who likes to bargain hunt. HK has everything from designer clothes/shoes, antiques, electronics/latest gadgets, fake items [ with matching grades A, B, C depends how fake you want it to be ha ha ha!]. I miss G2000 [they alter your clothes for free] here you have to pay higher than the cost of the item. Miss you K! Miss HK too, dito ako lang ang payat, dyan madami tayo he he!
Inthesity, thanks for sharing, as always, I enjoyed your shots.
Charles, bueno you should plan your HK trip the soonest. Make sure it’s on the end of the month, it’s my pay day!
Masel, minsan, kahit ayaw mong mag shopping, di pwedeng palampasin. HK’s favourite past time is shopping. Do you know I like t-shirts from Kids Ralph Lauren’s? Kasya sa akin yung pang 14 yrs old hahahaha.